Off-The Beaten-Path Diner Worth the Drive Minutes from Texarkana

If you ever watch the TV show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri it's all about finding those off-the-beaten-path restaurants that serve some of the best food around.

So, I did what Guy usually does, I loaded up and took a short road trip to Genoa, Arkansas, 7 miles from Texarkana after hearing several local folks say I should try Big Gilley's Smokehouse BBQ.  If Big Gilley's sounds familiar that's because owner Matt Gilley already has a location in Ashdown, the Genoa location inside the former Dragons Den restaurant is his newest diner having been open less than a month.

The moment you walk in you will be greeted by a friendly staff, the manager Tracey Hoopingarner made sure I was taken well-taken care of while I was there.

The diner had the 50s-60s vibe with all the record vinyl albums and 45 singles, and posters, on the walls. And let's set the record straight, No, owner Matt Gilley is not related to the late Mickey Gilley, at least I don't think so. I guess I should have asked.

I sat down to order my food after looking over the menu which had everything from brisket, pulled pork,  chicken, rib platters, hot links, nachos, BBQ sandwiches, Big taters, and wraps.

I ordered the hot link sandwich with home-cut fries and it was delicious.

Big Gilley's not only serves great-tasting barbeque but they have some southern traditional daily specials all made from scratch daily.

Chicken Fried Chicken

Just look at that creamy yummy gravy!

Smoked Chicken Spaghetti

Birria (Brisket) Tacos

Twanky's

Brisket, stuffed cream cheese jalapenos wrapped in bacon.

Desserts

Top off your meal with one of several tasty desserts.

Big Gilley's Smokehouse is one dive that Guy Fieri needs to come and check out if he's ever in this neck of the woods.

Big Gilley's Smokehouse is open Monday -Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM.

It's worth the short drive from Texarkana right off Genoa Road. Check them out on their Facebook page or call 870-779-0008.

This could be the best-kept secret in southwest Arkansas but not anymore!